What resources would you recommend to someone training to be spiritual director? Are there any particular skills, tools, books, programs etc. that you've found particularly helpful?
Hello! I’m excited to hear you’re interested in training to become a director; there’s always needs to be filled in different communities, and because all directors are so unique, more or us mean that more people will be able to find directors to partner with them on their spiritual journeys.
There are a lot of great direction programs out there from different traditions that can train you formally, and they vary in length, cost, and certification. Some of them are free-standing and post-graduate, other can be taken without any sort of degree, and others are connected to seminary degree programs as concentrations or certifications. Just be sure you do your research into the program and the school and make sure its a really good fit before signing on! It’s also worth mentioning that some directions don’t have a formal certification; but they’re elders in their community who have been working as de facto directors for decades and learned on their feet.
It’s always worth checking our Spiritual Directors International, an informative resource and directory of vetted directors. I’m listed there, and you can learn a lot about where someone trained by browsing the website, and you might be able to reach out to people who can help you find a training plan that suits you! The website also has a lot of spiritual direction news and info about programs, and they host educational webinars!
As far as books go I recommend:
Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction by Susan Phillips
Compassioning by Margaret Ferris
The Ignatian Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in Daily Life by Kevin O’Brien
The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
Keep in mind that all of these are Christian-informed titles, since that’s my home tradition, but there are sure to be tips in there that are useful for directors widely. Some directors only see clients from their own religious background, some (like me) see clients from any and all religious traditions as well as agnostic clients. But mentorship is essential in this field, so hopefully you’ll be able to find someone further along in their journey to partner with you!
Good luck!
